January’s Whole Athlete Training theme was Hard Work and Purpose. Hard work is about showing up, putting in the effort, and pushing through obstacles. Without purpose, the grind can feel empty. This month, we’re recognizing athletes who embody both relentless effort and a strong sense of purpose. They train with focus, embrace the process, and stay committed to their “why.”
Jenica Walling - Dakine
Nominated by TJ Staples, Dakine Executive Director
We have a saying for Jenica at Dakine Beach "Classic Walling giving her ALLing"! No matter what the focus, drill, or format, Jenica is already giving all out effort and intentionality towards the focus at hand. Her competitive drive and purposeful focus compliments her positive demeanor with her teammates and coaches.
Lillian Dempkey - VC United
Nominated by Ainsley Heise, VC United Director of Marketing and Youth Programming
Lillian Dempkey has been a standout hard worker in our gym, particularly over the past month. Despite having over an hour-long drive from Burlington, Wisconsin, she has consistently gone above and beyond by spending extra time in the gym outside of practice—more than any other athlete. Her dedication to honing her craft as a setter has been truly remarkable, and we couldn’t be more proud of the purpose and determination behind her hard work.
Ari Garrell - Stars Carolina
Nominated by Zach Watson, Stars Carolina Marketing Director
Ari Garrell, Stars 18 Kayla, exemplifies what it means to stay highly motivated and goal-oriented both on and off the court. Her commitment to growth is unmatched—she consistently pushes herself to improve her skills, embraces challenges, and stays focused on achieving her goals. Ari is the type of athlete who doesn’t just show up but gives her absolute best effort every day.
Beyond her work ethic, Ari inspires those around her with her positive attitude and drive. She leads by example, motivating her teammates to stay focused and committed to their own goals. Ari’s ability to stay disciplined, balanced, and passionate truly makes her stand out as an athlete who embodies the themes of motivation and goal-setting. She is a shining example of what it means to commit to the process and strive for greatness every day.
Macy Melville - Club 801
Nominated by Jeff Wade, Club 801 Director
Macy is fierce on the court and always putting in the extra time to get better. She finds any opportunity to get in to the volleyball gym. She is also the ultimate teammate, understanding that the team is bigger than her. She gets more excited for her teammates than she ever does for herself and she is always looking for ways to support them, to help the team succeed, which in turn, helps her succeed.
She works at the gym, setting it up so that she, and everyone else has a safe and clean place to practice. She also coaches clinics for our younger athletes to help continue to grow the game but also make sure that her skills and mechanics are still there. She's told me "I feel like I have to be good at these things if I'm going to be teaching them."
She is the cliché first athlete in the gym and last to leave putting in the work time on the court, but also building those relationships with her coaches and teammates understanding that culture is a crucial aspect of success.
She's the best and easiest athlete to coach because she's always looking for the next correct step.
James Kloess - Inferno
Nominated by Laura Kaseman, Inferno Coach
James will never give up on a ball. He will dive, dart between benches, or he might even be seen jumping over a team bench. Everything he does in this gym is to the best of his ability and with all his heart, from moving the bleachers after practice to shagging volleyballs to actually playing,
You need an outside hitter, libero, middle blocker, an ace, a perfect pass, pancake, someone to bring up the team morale, he's your guy. I mean it, if you see him play middle blocker you would never guess he is also the best libero on the team, the best outside hitter, and a great setter, too. He can play any position and will always do what's best for the team. He has a volleyball net set up in his yard to practice serving and plays volleyball in the snow with his friends to just get some more touches. When he's injured he still goes go to practice to do what he can. If he can't jump he'll practice passing or setting and a two step jump float instead of a big topspin jump serve.
I'm not sure I described well enough the level of determination he shows. He plays as if college recruiters are here to scout every game. He rounds up the balls as if he gets $100 for each one retrieved. He covers every square inch of the floor, diving or running down every shanked ball because you never stop before the ball hits the floor!
James breathes life into the room: his energy and positive spirit, willingness to do everything, not needing to be asked but just knowing what to do, encouragement for everyone without looking down on anyone, and complete joy to be anywhere near a volleyball! He's serious and focused, but if he makes a mistake, he can see the humor in a shanked ball stuck in the rafters and doesn't let it deflate his or everyone's emotions. He encourages the team whether from the court or bench. He's the tape that holds the team together.
James is invaluable to the team: excellent ball control and court awareness, ability to read the opponents, high volleyball IQ, versatility to play different positions, strong skills in every area. He's the first to offer a high five or a few words to a player who shanked a ball or put one away. He has errors, sure, but he acknowledges them and moves on to the next play. He understands that every point matters. He doesn't let his guard down or take any team lightly. He doesn't give up on a ball because we are far enough ahead, ever! He is never looking for the limelight for himself. He is a team player who loves the game. He's very coachable and always willing to learn new techniques and strategies. He listens to coaches and is able to change his errors and improve form to become the best that he can be.
